After Rohtang, Baralacha emerges new tourist hotspot

Abhinav Vashisht

Kullu, June 19

The 13,058-feet Rohtang Pass is the first choice of tourists visiting Manali. However, with only 1,200 vehicles being allowed everyday, as per the guidelines of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), tourists are heading towards the 16,040-feet Baralacha Pass in the Lahaul valley by crossing the Atal Tunnel to witness heavy snow.

The number of tourists going towards Baralacha and Shinkula these days is more than the Rohtang Pass. More than 1,500 vehicles, including those going towards Leh, are plying to Baralacha located on the Manali-Leh road everyday.

Meanwhile, the Himachal Tourism Development Corporation (HTDC) has started a luxury bus service for Baralacha. Everyday two buses are going packed for Baralacha. BS Aukta, DGM of HTDC, said that both buses plying to Baralacha are packed with tourists.

The NGT has capped the number of vehicles going to the Rohtang Pass. Everyday, only 800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles can go to the Rohtang Pass after obtaining online permits. Besides, 100 vehicles are allowed with special permits, but the number of tourists is so high that online slots are being booked for a week. Therefore, tourists are heading for the Baralacha Pass to enjoy snow. The number of tourists visiting Baralacha is continuously increasing.

However, unlike Rohtang there are no adventure activities available at Baralacha. Tourist vehicles are not allowed beyond Darcha during adverse weather conditions, which occurs frequent in the Lahaul valley. There are no basic facilities at Baralacha and tourists have to return to Manali after spending some time in snow. There are little stay arrangements in places such as Darcha, Gemur and Sissu in Lahaul.

Meanwhile, locals associated with the tourism industry have urged the government to remove the cap on the number of vehicles and the NGT barrier at Gulaba. They have also urged the government to approach the NGT to review its decision of restricting the number of vehicles and charging Rs 500 per vehicle to go to the Rohtang Pass.

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